Healthy Veggie-Packed Pasta Primavera Recipe

Hi there, food lover! 👋
Ready to bring a big bowl of vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and wholesome goodness straight to your table? Today we’re celebrating the beauty of seasonal vegetables with a classic, comforting, and delightfully light dish: Healthy Veggie-Packed Pasta Primavera. 🌱🍋

Pasta Primavera has a warm history rooted in Italian-American cooking, where chefs sought to showcase spring’s freshest vegetables in a simple yet elegant pasta. Traditionally, the dish focuses on highlighting the natural sweetness and crispness of vegetables with minimal fuss—letting their flavors shine through with just olive oil, lemon, and a gentle sprinkle of cheese. It’s a joyful recipe that mirrors the arrival of spring: bright, colorful, and full of life.

This veggie-packed version builds on that tradition in the most nourishing way. Think tender pasta twirled with sautéed peppers, zucchini, broccoli, peas, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. The vegetables stay crisp-tender, giving every bite a wonderful texture and freshness. A squeeze of lemon and a touch of Parmesan bring everything together with a delicate creaminess—without feeling heavy.

Whether you’re craving something light yet satisfying, cooking for a family dinner, or prepping meals for the week, this Healthy Pasta Primavera is a bowl of pure comfort and color. It works beautifully with whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it both traditional and endlessly adaptable. Ready to load your pasta with vibrant goodness? Let’s get cooking! 🍽️✨

Ingredients

For the Pasta & Vegetables

  • 12 oz pasta (linguine, penne, or fusilli)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Cook the pasta.
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. Prep the vegetables.
    Slice the zucchini and peppers, halve the tomatoes, and set aside all the veggies.
  3. Sauté the aromatics.
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant.
  4. Cook the veggies.
    Add broccoli and peppers first; cook 3 minutes. Add zucchini, peas, and tomatoes; cook 2–3 more minutes until crisp-tender.
  5. Combine with pasta.
    Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss with lemon juice, Parmesan, and a splash of pasta water to create a light sauce.
  6. Season and finish.
    Add salt, pepper, and more lemon or cheese to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs.
  7. Serve warm and savor the freshness! 🌿🍝

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories per serving: ~400
🍽️ Servings: 4

#pastaprimavera #freshveggies #healthydinner #springrecipes #easycomfortfood

Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️

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